Opponent: Phoenix Rising FC
Match Date: August 3rd
Location: Weidner Field
Doors Open: 6pm MT. Limited tickets remain available HERE!
How to Listen: XTRA Sports 1300am with the Voices of the Switchbacks, Ryan Kaufman and Roland Vargish – coverage starts at 6:30pm MT.
Chambo’s Comments: “We did everything we could [against the Las Vegas Lights] from a team perspective and the players did everything they could, it just didn’t fall in our favor in certain moments. We need the crowd [at Weidner Field]. We love the crowd and they give us an extra yard [and they really do help push the ball into the back of the net]. It really does make a difference, and we need [the crowd] again this weekend. We can’t wait to see [our fans] and we want to make sure that we make up for the point that we got last week [against Las Vegas] and we want to try and get three [points] this weekend. “There are a couple of [niggling injuries in the squad], but more or less the majority [are] fine. There are one or two that are questionable as we go into the weekend, but we will give them every opportunity [to be fit and play]. The boys are ready to go. They’re pretty pissed about last weekend – as we all are – so we are eager to put on a performance for everybody that comes out on Saturday.”
Peek at Phoenix: “[Phoenix has] had a couple good results over the last few weeks. It was a tough trip to Hartford [Athletic] last week [for Phoenix Rising] and they beat El Paso [Locomotive] pretty comfortably [the week before]. They’re in a good spot right now with the coaching change and the players are performing well. “Phoenix had a really tough travel day the day before [the 0-0 draw in Hartford last Friday night], so that does play into [the result] as much as people may not think [that it does] and want to use it as an excuse – it does become a factor. [Phoenix] won’t have that [travel issue] coming here! We are aware of what’s coming into the building [on Saturday] – there’s no question about that. “I thought [Phoenix] were aggressive enough against Hartford, and I think they’ll be similar [on Saturday evening]. They were aggressive against El Paso, and I think that’s what the coach [Interim Head Coach Diego Gómez] wants to do. I don’t know for definite, but I’m guessing from what I’ve seen [that Phoenix will be aggressive]. They’re still a possession-based team – there’s no change there.”
Vargish’s View: Defending USL Championship winners Phoenix Rising sit in 9th place in the Western Conference with a record of 6-7-6: not where perennial powerhouse Phoenix are accustomed to finding themselves in early August. Quality abounds on the Rising roster, but consistency has been fleeting in 2024. One of Phoenix’s wins this season came against the Switchbacks after a 1-0 victory in the Valley of the Sun on April 13th . Saturday evening boils down to the simplest of questions: can the Switchbacks take their chances? Free flowing and entertaining soccer will be on show as both teams want to move the ball quickly and play on the front foot. The Switchbacks have been one of the most aesthetically pleasing teams in the league this season, but at times have been left wanting in front of goals. Old rivals Phoenix Rising will come to Weidner Field and be open and attacking. To get a result, the Switchbacks need to match Phoenix and play their own offensive, quick-transition brand of soccer.
